Places to visit in Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is a cardinal tourist destination of Buddhists around the world for its abundance of sacred places. However, the city of Anuradhapura welcomes all the travelers across all the religions. It has not only a religious value but historical and archaeological value as well. It is considered the first kingdom of ancient Ceylon. Not a single historical record goes without a connection to the city of Anuradhapura. The often searched places in Anuradhapura are Ruwanweli Maha Seya, Sri Maha Bodhiya, Thuparamaya, Abhayagiriya, Lovamahapaya, Mirisawetiya, Jethavanaramaya, Wilpattu National Park, Ritigala Forest Monastery, Isurumuniya temple, Kalu Diya Pokuna Natural Black Water Pond and Ranmasu Uyana. There are multiple stories about kings and heirs to the throne in connection to Anuradhapura. It is not highly urbanized like other metropolitan cities in the country. But, that does not mean that travelers go without luxury. Vishmi Travels assures all the wanderers there that you can enjoy the serenity of pastoral ambience with all the luxury you need. Apart from that, travelers can enjoy the magnanimity of the ancient irrigation system which still feeds acres of cultivation lands.
Location
Anuradhapura is the capital city in North Central province in Sri Lanka. It is a hinterland situated in the dry zone of the island, along the banks of Aruvi Aru river. Livelihood of the majority of those who live in Anuradhapura is agriculture because of the richness of the irrigation system that this territory possesses. As a result of the abundance of archaeologically valuable places, UNESCO allotted a world heritage site here in 1982.
Religious,Historical and archaeological places in Anuradhapura
Ruwanwali Maha Seya
This is one of the main religious stupas in Sri Lanka. According to canonical writings, this was made by King Dutugemunu, one of the greatest kings in Sri Lankan history. There are beautiful tales about the stupa as well. It is said that the location was given to King Dutugemunu by a goddess called Swarnamali. As a gratitude to the goddess, the king has given her name to this stupa. Thus, the stupa is also known as Swarnamali Chaithya. Even though this was initially started to be built by king Dutugemunu, many kings have renovated this in later periods. If you come to see and get the blessings of Buddha, you can hear the beautiful stories woven around this great stupa where the majority of Buddha’s relics are preserved.
Sri Maha Bodhiya
Another place that is of utmost significance to Buddhists. It is a sacred bo tree, planted in Maha Mega Vana Royal Park. This is the southern part of the holy bo tree under which Lord Buddha had enlightenment in India. This was brought to Sri Lanka by Arhat Sangamiththa Maha Theree, the daughter of great emperor Dharmashoka who ruled India. There is a gold fence around Sri Maha Bodhiya. Those who have been to Sri Maha Bodhiya know how serene under the bo tree is.
Thuparamaya
This is said to be the first stupa to be built in Sri Lanka after Buddhism was introduced and this was built by King Devanampiyatissa. Even though it is so many years ago, the technology of engineering that was used to build this stupa is outstanding. There are several pillars around the stupa which are said to have borne a roof above the stupa in history. Now , there is no roof, only the pillars remain.
Lovamahapaya
You can find Lovamahapaya between Sri Maha Bodhiya and Ruwanweli Maha Seya. Even though this is in remnants today, this remained the tallest building of Ceylon in history for a long period of time. This also was built by king Dutugemunu. This place is known as Lohaprasadaya also because it is said that the roof was built in bronze. This is also another epitome that displays the knowledge of ancient builders. Lovamahapaya had been used by monks to preach suthra and gatha.
Mirisawetiya
This is said to be the first stupa built by king Dutugemunu. Travelers who are keen on discovering legends about Mirisawetiya, should come to see the stupa because there is an interesting story behind the king’s inspiration to build Mirisawetiya.
Abhayagiriya
This also is a sacred pilgrimage venue of people. It is said that this was built by king Walagamba. This was a Buddhist monastery of Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism. Abhayagiriya is famous for its rich architectural designs. Even though Abhayagiriya is worshiped by Buddhists, once you visit the place, you will witness that the architecture of Abhayagiriya is influenced by Hinduism also. The moonstone is a famous architectural design for Buddhists and Abhayagiriya has one of the ancient and most significant moonstones in Ceylon.
Jetavanaramaya
Named as a world heritage site by UNESCO, Jetavanaramaya is also another stupa which is highly venerated by Buddhists. The place chosen to build the stupa is important because this was the place where Arhat Mahinda Thero chose to preach Dhamma after the thero came to Taprobane. The techniques of engineering used to build the stupa and the magnanimity of the stupa are worth witnessing.
Samadhi Buddha Statue
This is a must visit as a Buddhist. This is located in the Mahamevna park in Anuradhapura. People say that if you look at the statue for a while with piety and dignity, your mind will become calm.
Mihintale
This is the enormous rock where Arhat Mahinda Thero brought Buddhism. This is a popular pilgrimage site, especially in the month of June, the month when the Buddhists celebrate Poson festival.
Wilpattu National Park
This is one of the most visited wildlife sanctuaries in Sri Lanka. The animals that the travelers can see here are Asian elephants, Sri Lankan sloth bears, mongooses, water buffalo, crocodiles and spotted and sambar deers.
Ritigala Forest Monastery
You can reach Ritigala Forest Monastery within 42km from Anuradhapura. The environment around the monastery is serene. What you can witness here is inscriptions on the rocks and ruins of ancient constructions.
Isurumuniya temple
This was built by king Devanamapiyatissa and later renovated by king Kashyapa. What has attracted tourists to Isurumuniya are the carving of Isurumuniya lovers, carving of the royal family, and the Elephant pond.
Kalu Diya Pokuna Natural Black Water Pond
Situated in the territory of Mihintale, Kalu Diya Pokuna is surrounded by the shades of greenery which adds to the beauty of the pond. It is not just a pond. There are traces of a previous arama (a kind of Buddhist monastery) in the ruins around the pond. Like other places that we explored so far, Kalu Diya Pokuna also demonstrates the competency of our ancient constructors.
Ranmasu Uyana
Ranmasu Uyana is identified also as Magul Uyana. Located between Isurumuni Viharaya and Tissa Wewa, Ranmasu Uyana demonstrates the dexterity of garden architecture in ancient Ceylon. These architectural designs are not secondary to any of the modern techniques used by modern architectures. Hence, once in a lifetime you must witness this grandeur of Anuradhapura heritage site.
Reservoirs in Anuradhapura
Apart from all these places, the travelers who come to Anuradhapura can pay a visit to the large scale reservoirs like, Kumbichhcan Kulama Tank, Thissa Wewa, Nuwara Wewa, and Basawakkulama Tank. If you hope to bathe at these places, please be cautious not to dive at places where it is warned by authorities. And, Vishmi Travels remind the travelers/tourists to keep this sacred environment clean and intact for future generations to see.
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